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New Harry Potter book, play has world under wizard's spell again

LONDON -- A new Harry Potter play opened in London this weekend, and the new book went on sale overnight.

Once again, the world is under the wizard's spell.

Fans rejoice as Harry Potter returns 00:50

Five years after Harry Potter last worked his magic at the box office -- he's back in a new play -- and book: "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Fans in Manhattan waited hours for the midnight book-release.

"I've always wanted to know what happens to Harry in the future and not everyone can travel to London to see the play, so the book is the next best option," said one anxious fan.

Kimmy Meyer is now 31 years old, and she said she has been reading the books since she was 12.

"It's like part of our childhood and continues to be part of our childhood," she said.

Potter fans from New York to London were dressed in character for the debut, as for the author, J.K. Rowling.

"It feels wonderful," she said. "It has been quite a long time, obviously, since I've been to a Potter opening night or a premiere. So I'm having slight flashbacks."

The book and play feature Harry Potter -- all grown up -- as a 37-year-old father of three.

Some who have already seen the play say it's worth every minute.

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Competition winner Fran Plagge holds the first copy of the book of the play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child parts One and Two at a bookstore in London, Britain July 31, 2016. REUTERS/Neil Hall

As for the book, it appears J.K. Rowling has not lost her magic touch.

"The author is really good, it's really captivating, you have to love everything about it," said one fan.

The book is expected to be the biggest selling book of the year. In London, the play is already sold out through May.

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